Many members of the ScholarOne team have been part of this journey since the beginning. In the early days, customer support was managed using FileMaker Pro on iMac computers, and our developers maintained direct communication with clients seeking system modifications. While these conversations could be challenging, they fostered invaluable relationships that shaped our product.
Most of us were unfamiliar with peer review when we started but learned quickly and built lasting partnerships with clients who educated us about their journals' needs and publishers' requirements. These relationships became the foundation of our understanding and expertise.
During my support position interview, I'll never forget being told that this product's primary purpose was "to save lives by getting information into the hands of those who need it most, and quickly." I continue to believe this mission statement holds true, and I carry this thought with me whenever I teach others about our platform.
ScholarOne’s early days were in the basement of an old building adjacent to UVA Hospital. We stood together in shock and disbelief during the events of 9/11, comforting each other during that critical time. When working late to meet deadlines, we all believed the building was haunted after jumping at the sound of the elevator suddenly making noise, knowing no one else was in the building.
We eventually relocated to a new building, which signified our growth as both a team and company. It was bright, filled with natural light, and featured rows of cubicles that seemed to stretch endlessly.
We remember the intensive system conversion from V1 to V3, working until the early morning hours and getting locked in the building when the power failed, while our fearless leader waited outside with pizza for the team.
The ScholarOne team also spent time together outside the office, gathering and attending performances by team members who played in a rock band.
When we joined Thomson Reuters in 2006, we felt proud of how much we had grown. Suddenly, we found ourselves at the forefront of peer review as the leading product in our field. We have witnessed peer review evolve and ownership change hands, yet through it all, the passion and energy of the people behind this remarkable product has remained constant.
In our ever-changing world, we have relocated once again, now to Silverchair, and our energy has tripled. Long-standing friendships have been renewed, and new relationships are forming in our new combined organization. I remain forever grateful for everything I have learned and continue to learn, and for continuing to have the opportunity to teach and educate others about our exceptional product.
While our logo and brand have transformed over the years, we continue our mission of saving lives every day. It seems fitting that on our silver anniversary, we are now part of Silverchair. It feels like we have come home.
Happy anniversary, and thanks for joining us on this journey!
Fun Fact: Take a look at how the ScholarOne logo has evolved over the past 25 years! From our early branding iterations to our current design, each logo represents a different chapter in our company's story. It's fascinating to see how our visual identity has transformed alongside our growth and the changing landscape of scholarly publishing.
